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Tributes pour in for Jlloyd Samuel

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Shamfa Cudjoe has joined the nation and the world in mourning the passing of Jlloyd Samuel, the former T&T defender who played in the English Premier League for Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers.

Samuel died on Tuesday morning in a car accident in Cheshire, northwest England. He was 37.

Cudjoe said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of Jlloyd’s death. The local and international football fraternity have lost a powerful figure in the sphere of football. His contributions to football would surely be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Emma and three children: Javarne, Lakyle and Amara. May his soul rest in peace.”

Samuel originally from San Fernando was an ardent professional footballer who played as a defender and midfielder. He represented T&T at the international level. Samuel played for England at youth level, in Under-18, U-20 and U-21 teams, pledging his international allegiance to his homeland, winning two caps.

Samuel’s senior professional career started at Aston Villa where he spent nine years at the club, later moving on to Gillingham, Bolton Wanderers and Cardiff City. He also played for Iranian clubs Esteghlal and Paykan.

Also paying tribute to Samuel, who had 240 appearances in the English Premier League, were the T&T Football Association (TTFA), Aston Villa and a number of individuals in the UK.

The TTFA said: “The T&T Football Association and his former national team-mates at this time extends deepest condolences to his family members both in the UK and here in T&T.”

Aston Villa paid tribute to Samuel as the home side wore black armbands for their English Championship playoff second leg against Middlesbrough at Villa Park.

There was also a minute’s applause before the game while fans chanted the defender’s name ahead of kickoff.